Happy Thanksgiving from Dr. W. Gregory Rose DDS 🦃🦷
7 Tips to Keep Your Smile Thankful All Weekend Long!
As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, we’re reminded how lucky we are to serve such an incredible community of patients who trust us with their smiles year after year. From routine cleanings to full smile makeovers, every visit with you feels like catching up with family — and for that, we are truly grateful.
While you’re enjoying turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and (let’s be honest) way too much pie, here are a few dentist-approved tips to keep your teeth happy through the holiday weekend:
1. Watch Out for Hidden Sugars Cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole with marshmallows, and that extra slice of pecan pie can send sugar levels soaring. Bacteria love to turn those sugars into acid that attacks enamel. Try to enjoy sweets with your main meal instead of grazing all day — this gives saliva a chance to neutralize acids and remineralize teeth.
2. Turkey Is Actually Smile-Friendly! Lean protein like turkey is low in sugar and high in phosphorus, which helps strengthen enamel. Dark meat, white meat — it’s all good for your grin!
3. Crunchy Veggies Are Nature’s Toothbrush Celery, carrots, and green beans on the veggie tray act like a natural scrub for your teeth and stimulate saliva flow. Bonus: they’re usually sitting right next to the dip!
4. Cheese Please If a cheese board is part of your spread, you’re in luck. Cheese is high in calcium and raises the pH in your mouth, helping fight acid and reduce cavity risk. A small cube after dessert can make a big difference.
5. Rinse, Don’t Brush Right After Pie Wait at least 30–60 minutes before brushing after acidic or sugary foods (think pumpkin pie, wine, or citrus). Brushing too soon can actually brush acid deeper into enamel. Instead, rinse with water or chew sugar-free gum with xylitol to freshen up and stimulate saliva.
6. Stay Hydrated All that sodium from gravy and stuffing can leave your mouth dry. Keep a water bottle nearby — staying hydrated helps wash away food particles and keeps saliva flowing.
7. Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools We know it’s tempting to crack nuts, tear open packaging, or crunch on that leftover turkey leg bone, but teeth aren’t nutcrackers! A cracked tooth the day after Thanksgiving is never fun.
Our office will be closed both Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 so our team can enjoy time with their families, but we’re back bright and early on Monday ready to help with any post-holiday dental emergencies.
From all of us at Dr. W. Gregory Rose DDS — thank you for letting us be part of your smile journey. May your Thanksgiving be filled with laughter, love, and plenty of reasons to show off those beautiful teeth.
Have a safe and happy holiday! 🍽️✨
Dr. W. Gregory Rose & Team
